GABAA Receptors

GABAA receptors are members of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels and, along with GABAB receptors, are responsible for mediating the inhibitory effects of GABA. They are pentameric proteins, consisting of five subunits belonging to different families.

GABAA receptors are members of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels, responsible for mediating the inhibitory effects of GABA alongside GABAB and GABAA-ρ receptors. They are heteromeric pentamers, consisting of five subunits belonging to different families (α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, δ, π, ε, θ).

The most abundant GABAA receptor in the mammalian brain consists of two copies each of subunits α1 and β2 with a single γ2 subunit. GABAA receptors contain an integral chloride channel, and have modulatory sites for benzodiazepines, barbiturates, neurosteroids and ethanol.

GABA Receptors Scientific Review

Written by Ian Martin, Norman Bowery and Susan Dunn, this review provides a history of the GABA receptor, as well as discussing the structure and function of the various subtypes and the clinical potential of receptor modulators; compounds available from Tocris are listed.

Addiction Poster

The key feature of drug addiction is the inability to stop using a drug despite clear evidence of harm. This poster describes the brain circuits associated with addiction, and provides an overview of the main classes of addictive drugs and the neurotransmitter systems that they target.

Epilepsy Poster

Epilepsy is a brain disease that affects 60 million people globally. More than 20 anti-seizure drugs are currently available, but these do not address the underlying causes of the condition. This poster summarizes current knowledge about the development of the condition and highlights some approaches that have disease-modifying effects in proof-of-concept studies.

Pain Poster

Peripheral sensitization is the reduction in the threshold of excitability of sensory neurons that results in an augmented response to a given external stimulus. This poster outlines the excitatory and inhibitory signaling pathways involved in modulation of peripheral sensitization. The role of ion channels, GPCRs, neurotrophins, and cytokines in sensory neurons are also described.

Schizophrenia Poster

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the worldwide population. This poster describes the neurobiology of Schizophrenia, as well as highlighting the genetic and environmental factors that play a fundamental role in the etiology of the disease. The current and emerging drug targets are also discussed.

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